Copyright 1999 -- Robert Baer Jr. The Space Rovers -- "Grunt Takes Command" DISCLAIMER Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. I, nor this script/story are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. This story is written by Robert Baer Jr and the characters Fydo, Boomer, Rasputin, Saundra, Alexander, Grunt, Daisy, Abdullah, Bob, Cactus Jake, Marie, Francis, Calypso, Sheena, Bruno, Molly, Deborah, Dot, Luigi, Sophia, Lao Zi, Su Li, Claudia, Numbia, Derby and Poncho are all Robert Baer Jr's creations, copyright pending, 1999. The Space Rovers -- "Grunt Takes Command" The scene is Persia's quarters at 3 AM. She is fast asleep in her bedroom when she hears her door buzzer ring repeatedly. She dreamily shouts "I'll be right there" as she throws on a robe and approaches her door. As it slides open, Persia is shocked to discover Grunt standing there, holding a bouquet of roses and a box of candy. GRUNT (smiling nervously): Grrrrrrrrrrr Growl! Grrrrrrrrrrr PERSIA (accepts the roses and candy): These are for me? (yawns) Thank you, Grunt..... GRUNT (still grinning): GRRRRRRRRR GROWL GRRRRRRR? PERSIA (faint smile): So, Cactus Jake told you that women like roses and candy. That's correct, but did he tell you to give them to me at three in the morning? Grunt shakes his head no. He then realizes his blunder, frowns, and walks sadly away. PERSIA (shouts): GRUNT, WAIT! Please, I do appreciate this sweet gesture. (holds Grunt's hand) You see, traditionally, one presents gifts like this to their mates during a dinner date. I know you're trying to socialize properly, my friend, and believe me, I am gratiful that you care for me so much. I tell you what, Grunt, we both have the morning shift today, I'll meet you for breakfast at the gallery in four hours, OK? Grunt's facial expression changes slightly. Persia kisses him and then returns to her quarters. Unable to immediately fall asleep again, she records a log entry. PERSIA (into mic): Captain log, entry.... er........ 1545. Later today we are to rondavous with the Mataxian science vessel Untain. Lt Bob describe the Mataxian as a human-like race who live on the frontier of Jurrassian space. They are a curious people, they crave knowledge more than conquest. We are scheduled to meet near the Ductarus Nebula. Hopefully, our first contact with the Mataxian will be mutually beneficial for both of our races. On a personal note, there is an ongoing conflict between Cadet Orchid and Daisy. I do not wish to officially repromand either of them, but I must admit I'm at my wits end over this situation. It seems that both are vying for the affections of Ensign Rasputin. I have attempted to speak to all three of them but to no avail. Since this is not an 'on-duty' matter, I have decided not to intervene any further. I can only hope that these three adults can work this problem out by themselves. Another personal note: The newlywed couples are getting along just fine. Our vessel is fully operational, Lt Molly is reporting that all systems are operating at peak efficency. End entry..... (yawn) and goodnight..... The scene switches to the galley, at seven in the morning. Many of the Space Rovers are having breakfast, some eating pancakes with sausage, some having cold cereal and a few simply having toast and coffee. Hans and Greta are sharing breakfast at a table, sitting with them are Orchid, Cactus Jake, Flash, Derby, Numbia and Poncho. GRETA (having a sip of orange juice): Daddy, why isn't mommy here eating with us now? HANS (smiles): Greta darling, I told you before. She had to work a late shift at sick bay. She should be coming to the galley any minute now. GRETA (smiles): Oh yeah, now I remember. HANS (passing Greta a plate of toast): Honey, better hurry up and eat. You need to be ready for school in an hour. GRETA (points): There's mommy! She coming this way! DEBORAH (sits next to Greta): Good morning, Greta! Sorry I'm late, but I had to stay until Doctor Abdullah came to relieve me. GRETA (hugs Deborah): I'm so glad you're here! The others at the table say "Awwwwww!" when they see Greta hugging her mom. FLASH (turning to Jake): Cactus, honey, may I ask you a personal question? CACTUS JAKE (smiles, picks up his coffee cup): You can ask me anything, darling! FLASH (smiles): Well........ what do you think of having children? Cactus Jake spits out his mouthful of coffee in shock. The others at the table start laughing, and even Cactus Jake giggles as he reaches for a few napkins to clean up his mess. NUMBIA (giggles): You got him all choked up, Flash! PONCHO (laughs): Si, I bet you wasn't expecting THAT question, amigo! ORCHID (putting syrup on her pancakes): Have any of you seen Rasputin? I thought he would be here for breakfast by now! HANS (sipping his coffee): Nope, haven't seen him. DERBY (chewing on a piece of toast): Sorry, missy, 'aven't seen the bloak about yet! GRETA (points): Look, Orchid, there he is with Daisy! ORCHID (angry): WHAT???? Orchid turns around and sees Rasputin fixing himself a breakfast tray and Daisy standing right behind him. RASPUTIN (aggreviated): Daisy, will you please stop hounding me? DAISY (cheerfully): But darlin', can't y'all see that we was meant to be together? I know you really like me! RASPUTIN (sighs): Yes, I do, Daisy, but will you please leave me alone long enough to have a decent meal? DAISY (takes Rasputin's arm): Of course you can, honey pie! We'll have a great time together and I'll ..... RASPUTIN (pulls away from her): You'll go sit over there and leave me in peace, if you don't mind! DAISY (takes his arm again): All you need is good cup of coffee to get you started .... Orchid leaves her table and storms over to where Daisy and Rasputin are standing. ORCHID (angry): Just what do you think you're doing, bloodhound? DAISY (smiles): Just having breakfast with my man! RASPUTIN (pulls away): I'm not YOUR man! ORCHID (smiles): Then that means your MY man, right? RASPUTIN (shakes head): I'm NO ONE'S MAN right now! All I want to do is have my morning meal in peace. I have to report for duty in a half hour. DAISY (confused): What are y'all trying to say, darlin'? ORCHID (confused): What's wrong, sweetie? RASPUTIN (sighs): I'm trying to tell both of you that I want to eat alone, please don't start fighting over me this morning, I just can't take it right now! DAISY (happy): That's why y'all need me to cheer you up! ORCHID (growls): I'm the one who will cheer him up, why don't you go play with your chemistry set? DAISY (growls): Why don't you take a ...... Daisy stops in midsentence as she sees Persia and Grunt enter the room. Orchid spots her and walks back to her table, Daisy takes her tray and sits at a table where Luigi, Sophia and their children are seated. Rasputin takes his tray and finds a table on the far side of the room, alone. PERSIA (turns to Grunt): Y'know my friend, I have a feeling that I need to give you a few more lessons on courtship rituals. GRUNT (turns to Persia): Grrrrrrrrrrrrr Growl? PERSIA (puts hand on Grunt's shoulder): Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that you've done anything wrong. It's just that perhaps you and I should try having a romantic dinner together. How does that sound? GRUNT (points): Grrrrrrrrr PERSIA (shakes head): No, Grunt, not here in the galley. Perhaps we can have dinner tonight in my quarters! I'll bet you'll love my Beef Wellington! I haven't cooked a meal myself in a long while, will you come? GRUNT (smiles): GRRRRRRRRRR!!!! GROWL!!!! PERSIA (smiles): I thought you would, dear! Now, would you please hand me a cup of coffee? It'll go great with these apple muffins I've having. GRUNT (hands her a cup of coffee): GRRRRRRRRRRRR!! GROWL!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! PERSIA (shakes head): I don't know why they don't have waffles this morning, my friend. Try a bowl of granola instead! As Persia and Grunt sit down for breakfast, Claudia and Fydo enter the room, both quickly fix their trays and look for a place to sit. CLAUDIA (smiles): Ready for another swimming lesson? We'll have to hurry, I have to report for duty in twenty minutes! FYDO (concerned): Don't they say not to go swimming after you eat? CLAUDIA (butters her toast): That's just an old human's tale! If we hurry, I can show you how to dog paddle FYDO (stuttering): But.... but..... CLAUDIA (smiles): Swimming is fun! You'll see! The scene switches to another table, where Boomer and Saundra are eating breakfast together. BOOMER (sips coffee): Just think, Saundra, this will be the first time we'll be on the bridge as man and wife! SAUNDRA (cuts pancake): Yes, it'll be different, won't it? BOOMER (reaches for Saundra's hand): Yes, it's going to be wonderful! SAUNDRA (smiles): Oh Boomer! The scene now shifts to the bridge, it's 8am shipboard time, Whitey, Boomer, Saundra, Alexander, Bruno, Cactus Jake and Bob take their places. Persia and Grunt arrive in the same elevator. Persia takes the captain's chair. PERSIA (looking at front view screen): Whitey, what is our status? WHITEY (turns to Persia): We are at the exact coordinates to meet the Untira, but they appear to be tardy BOOMER (whispers to Saundra): One should never be late for a first contact PERSIA (sternly): I heard that, Boomer! ALEXANDER (sternly): Quite right, there could be any number of reasons why the Untain isn't here now PERSIA (turns to Whitey): Whitey, any sign of the Mataxians? WHITEY (frowns): None, Captain. BOB (turns to Persia): Captain, I'll bet they are here! It's been rumored that the Mataxian have perfected a stealth device that is similar to our invisibility shield. They may be using it now! PERSIA (smiles): You could be right, Bob! Bruno, open a channel! BRUNO (pushes buttons): Channel open, Captain PERSIA (into mic): This is Captain Persia of the Canius Minor calling the Untain, can you hear me? BRUNO (looks at montior): No reply yet, Captain. PERSIA (into mic): This is Captain Persia, will someone from the Untain please reply? BRUNO (smiles): Now we're getting a message, I'll put it on the front view screen Instantly, the screen display the inside of the Untain, three human-like creatures smile. The tallest one is Comazar Frigle, commander of the ship. FRIGLE (smiles): So, you've discovered our little secret! Your science officer's reputation is well earned! WHITEY: Thank you, sir. FRIGLE (smiles): I'm Comazer Frigle of the Mataxian vessel Untain PERSIA (smiles): It's good to finally meet you, Comazer, and I'm ... FRIGLE (interrupts): No need for introductions, Captain Persia! You and your Space Rovers are quite famous in this part of space! There's you, Captain, with your famous mind powers, your first mate, Alexander, the wise old dog. Boomer and Saundra, experienced, and now, married as well! Science Officer Whitey, one of the most brilliant minds in the galaxy! PERSIA (smiles): You flatter us, Comazar! Will you please deactivate your invisibilty screen, so that we may see your wonderful ship? FRIGLE (turns to one of his soldiers and nods): Not exactly, Captain. In an instant, Persia, Alexander, Boomer, Saundra and Whitey begin to shine brightly, and then disappear from view. FRIGLE (smiles): You dogs are so stupid! We have your missing crewmen, they'll make interesting test subjects for our scientists! Goodbye! The screen goes black, for a moment there is confusion on the bridge of the Canius Minor CACTUS JAKE (looks all around): They're really gone! We have to do something! BRUNO (confused): But who's in command now? BOB (points): The highest ranking officer on this ship now is Grunt! GRUNT (angry): GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR BOB (nods): Yes, we have to get them back, but how do we do it? You're in charge, Grunt, what's your plan? Everyone left on the bridge looks at Grunt, who simply growls angrily as he stares at the now blank viewscreen. The scene switches to a secret laboratory on a small asteroid in the Ductarus Nebula. Persia, Alexander, Boomer, Saundra and Whitey are all in arm and leg shackles, and all are very, very drowsy. The room is dimly wit, damp, and very uninviting. PERSIA (dreamily): Where.....are ......we? WHITEY (sternly): Unknown......Captain.... FRIGLE (laughs, voice thru speakers): I'll tell you where you are, Space Rovers! You'll in one of our finest laboratories and soon, our scientists will begin examining you all, we want to see what makes you dog people so special! Oh, and by the way, all of you have been sediated, so that you won't be able to use your 'abilities' to escape! And with you high ranking officers off the Canius Minor, that leaves the newly promoted Security Chief in command! Grunt, he's nothing more than a seven foot tall hairy maniac! No escape, no hope for a rescue, you Space Rovers will be our prisoners forever! --------------------------------------------------------------------- to be continued................